Pmr flare?

[Holycow2]

I have had PMR for oround 3 years. I’ve got down to 3mg and recently have been waking up with pain and stiffness in fingers elbows and wrists. I do suffer from arthritis and have had both hips replaced. I am waiting for a knee replacement. My question is could this be arthritis or could it be PMR? I first had it in my shoulders but they are ok ish.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Really almost impossible to say. Does a bit more pred make a big difference? You are at a low dose and it's only 3 years. It would be unusual for PMR to be entirely gone - and the whole point is to achieve a really good quality of life at the lowest possible dose. Does a bit more make that much better?

[Holycow2 in reply to PMRpro]

I had a call from about my dexa scan results and was advised see my GP as could be the PMR. I’ve not managed to get an appointment with my GP yet so was wondering if I should up my pred and for how long before I see him just in case it is the PMR?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Holycow2]

Again, difficult to say. I would try the flare protocol and see what happens but some people find pred also relieves OA pain even when painkillers don't. I assume you have tried that? If a good dose of pain relief does nothing but more pred does, it probably suggests it is more likely to be PMR.

[Holycow2 in reply to PMRpro]

I’m on strong painkillers for the arthritis but does not help. How much do you suggest I up the pred by and for how long?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Holycow2]

As PMRpro’s this link contains flare protocol info-can be found in FAQs -

healthunlocked.com/pmrgcauk...

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Holycow2]

DL's given you the link

[Pixix]

just for info, since the temperatures dropped, my arthritis has got much worse. I cannot make a fist in the morning as they are so swollen, & the pain, especially in thumb joints is very bad. I take tramadol & have high dosage pain patches, but nothing is helping. But I know it’s arthritis worsening & not PMR due to the sites of the pain. I’m hoping my body will adjust to the low temperatures, as I’m unable to use my right thumb now. Will be 24/7 in splints now! I’m not increasing pred as I’ve struggled hard to get down to 2mg & really don’t want to have to do that for a third time. Just FYI.

[Holycow2 in reply to Pixix]

This is what I’m struggling with as I to have fought hard. I’ve never had arthritis in small joints only like I’ve said hips and knees. I’m now worrying it could be rheumatoid arthritis even though I had blood tests around 18 months ago for that.

[Pixix in reply to Holycow2]

Hm. My Dr thinks I have sero negative rheumatoid arthritis, but I don’t want the diagnosis or the drugs! I’d like to get off pred first! I have a lot of trouble with my toes, too. I find the small joints surprisingly painful, but they are so useful in life. If it gets even worse with lower temperatures I will have to go back to Dr, but I’m starting to use Flexiseq this weekend, see if that helps!